7 Ways to Volunteer on Valentine’s Day & Beyond

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year we come together and celebrate love. But there’s a lot more to love than what’s typically associated with the holiday – bouquets of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, cards from secret admirers and so on.

Love is about understanding, compassion and joy. It’s about kindness and generosity. And about giving in to something greater than yourself. In many ways, volunteers embody all of these qualities. That’s why we’re highlighting 7 ways to volunteer and put that love into action.

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in its truest form by giving your time to support and care for others in your community. You might just find nothing gives you the warm fuzzies quite like volunteering.

1. Plan a Dinner Date

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, right? This February 14, skip the crowded restaurant and expensive three-course meal. Instead, opt for serving a meal made with love to those who need one. Look for opportunities to fight hunger at your local food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or Meals on Wheels chapter.

2. Send a Card or Care Package

For folks who aren’t able to spend the day with loved ones, receiving a handmade card or thoughtful care package can be uplifting. Consider reaching out to nearby hospices or hospitals to see if you can send some cards or tokens of love and support to their clients. Or try an organization that provides support to deployed military members, like the United Service Organizations (USO).

3. Find Puppy Love

Animals need love too! Show how much you care for our furry, feather and scaled friends by contacting an animal shelter near you to see how you can donate your time this Valentine’s Day. Or, if you’re able, sign up as a foster parent and provide a loving home to a pet in need.

4. Let Love Grow

Avoid buying a pricing bouquet and plant flowers instead. Humans and critters aren’t the only things that deserve love. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show Mother Earth some affection by participating in a habitat restoration, tree planting or beach cleanup service project.

6. Serve With Those You Love

While it’s clear that volunteering is a great way to spread love on Valentine’s Day, sharing the experience with your loved ones makes it even sweeter. Find an opportunity for the whole gang to get involved.

7. Find Your Perfect Match and Say “I do…”

If the opportunities above don’t speak to you, know that the perfect volunteer role for you is out there waiting. Head to VolunteerMatch.org to find your match. Then commit to giving back to your community and sharing the love all year round!

About The Author

Elysia Gabe

Elysia helps nonprofits, volunteers and companies connect with one another and engage with their communities by crafting engaging copy and sharing relevant knowledge through VolunteerMatch's Help Center, blogs, newsletters, and social media channels.

Hi Suzanne. While VolunteerMatch doesn’t facilitate in-kind donations, you’re welcome to search our site to see what organizations are in your area. I know a number of hospices and hospitals recruit volunteers to knit blankets, hats, etc. for their clients. You could try starting there!

I’m 17 I need to make volunteer hours for my scholarship
I did Navy and Air Force ROTC I am a lifeguard and still in school
My skills are customer service,Multi-tasting and basic computers skill please let me know ASAP we’re needing volunteer.thank you

Elmer,
You can also try the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Volunteer Office. There are opportunities for a person with your skills in our branch libraries. Call Parkway Central Library – 215-686-5400, and ask to be connected to the Volunteer Office.

I’ve done a variety of volunteer opportunities and am signed up on VolunteerMatch.org. I keep looking.
Recently I was doing ESL conversation and practical “living” lessons, i.e., how to do a budget, open a bank a account, how to use a subway map, etc. for adults who are not native English speakers. The program lost funding this year and could not let us continue. I’m also doing a Reading tutoring program one day a week. Previously I volunteered at a hospital emergency department as a rape crises counselor. However I feel it’s time for a change and I’d like to do something in the mental health field, working with children or teens. Nothing has come up in my search so far. Any suggestions?

In need of, seeking a confidante. Been in distress for much to long – over 3 decades, for the most part of my adult life. Any suggestions that would make a difference to meet other like-minded people or any opportunities for me? My life is a mix of Shrek & Eeyore, & wishing to move out of MN. to a warmer humane environment. This might not be the comments you were wanting to hear. Kind regards.

Hi there! Unfortunately, while we’re not able to connect individuals with personal help on our site, we do know that volunteering can help individuals come out of an Eeyore-like state. Those who volunteer often find that they feel happier, healthier and more connected to others in their community! If you’d like to give volunteering a try, head over to VolunteerMatch.org to find an opportunity in your neighborhood. And if you need help using the site, you’re welcome to contact our Support team at support@volunteermatch.org.

Great! Sounds like you’ll want to sign up for an account on VolunteerMatch.org. That way you can sign up for volunteer opportunity alerts, our newsletters, and more! If you need help, feel free to email our Support team at support@volunteermatch.org. Happy volunteering!